Howe’s Manchester United opportunity hinges on more than a change of manager

Eddie Howe is emerging as a leading contender to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United, but any move to Old Trafford would raise major questions about the club’s structure, transfer control and ability to provide a stable long-term project.

Carrick is under increasing pressure after a decline in results and performances. Manchester United’s immediate priorities include Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea on 31 October 2026 and their Champions League fixture against Roma on 3 November 2026.

Howe’s record makes him a credible candidate. He transformed Bournemouth from a club battling relegation in the English second tier into a Premier League side, guiding them to promotion in 2015 and establishing them among the elite despite comparatively limited resources.

At Newcastle United, Howe again rebuilt a struggling team. He took charge in 2021 when the club were fighting to avoid relegation, led them into the Champions League on two occasions and won the English League Cup in 2025, ending a 56-year wait for a major trophy.

His work has also included developing players such as Dan Burn, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, with some subsequently reaching the England senior team. At Bournemouth, he worked with Richard Hughes and Neil Blake, while his Newcastle experience included senior figures such as Dan Ashworth, Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi.

However, Howe does not command universal support among Manchester United supporters and former players. Some believe the 48-year-old lacks the profile and experience associated with one of the biggest jobs in world football. Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt were not enthusiastic about his appointment on their podcast, despite previously supporting the idea when Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January.

Roy Keane has backed Howe, while former Premier League players Darren Bent, Gareth Barry and Jack Wilshere have also identified him as a possible choice.

A decision about the club’s direction

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority ownership began in 2024 with an emphasis on building around British players, but the cost of domestic talent and the difficulties faced by Carrick, the first permanent British manager of the Ineos era, have complicated that plan.

Sporting director Jason Wilcox is reported to favour Howe, while recruitment director Christopher Vivell prefers Julian Nagelsmann, the former Bayern Munich and Germany manager. Their recommendations will go to chief executive Omar Berrada before a final decision involving Ratcliffe and co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer.

The financial implications will also matter. If Carrick leaves, Manchester United must settle the compensation owed to him and his staff. Newcastle included a staged compensation clause in Howe’s agreement when he left during the summer. The figure began at £6m, fell by half and is now about £3m. That clause is understood to expire before the end of the current season.

The bigger issue is authority. Howe had significant influence over recruitment at Bournemouth and Newcastle, helping bring in players including Nathan Ake, Callum Wilson, Tyrone Mings, Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak. Manchester United’s defined structure may offer him less control.

The club has struggled to develop a lasting identity since Sir Alex Ferguson left, with six permanent managers contributing players to the current squad. Howe could bring rebuilding experience, but his success would depend on whether Manchester United can resolve the wider sporting and administrative problems that have undermined previous appointments.